Awka – Families of the four police officers killed in the violence that followed the hijack of the ENDSARS protest in Anambra were on Thursday, handed cheques for two million naira each by Anambra State Government.
Also, an additional thirteen operational vehicles were also donated to the State Police Command for rapid response to crime.
Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano who made the presentations at the Police Command Headquarters in Awka, also gave the 15 officers injured in the violence 250, 000 each, apart from their hospital bills which is being handled by the state government.
One million was also given to each of the Police Divisions and other police formations for their gallantry during the violence.
Presenting the cheques and vehicles, Governor Obiano said the reward was to appreciate their efforts in crime-fighting.
Bemoaning the violence and destruction that befell the Police, Governor Obiano said the operational vehicles donated to the police, were to replace the ones destroyed to enable them to respond promptly to security emergencies, urging them not to use the vehicles for personal gain.
“I want the Police to begin robust patrol within the state especially in flashpoints at Nkpor, Upper Iweka, Okpoko, Ogidi, Inland Town, Awka, Nnewi among other places. We cannot lower our guard especially as the yuletide celebration gears up. Anambra remains the safest state in the country and we want it to remain that way,” he maintained.
The governor paid glowing tribute to the officer and men who lost their lives in the carnage, urging police officers in the state not to be demoralized by the incident/
“In Anambra, my government has maintained the tradition of rewarding gallantry whether dead or alive. We pray for the repose of these gallant policemen and our prayers are also with their families. Although no amount of money can replace human life, we want them to know that we appreciate their loved ones who gave their lives in the service of the country. We pray that we will as a country do whatever we need to do so as not to witness this king of unfortunate incident again,” the governor said.
Responding, the state commissioner of Police, John Abang regretted following the hijack of the ENDSARS protest, four personnel were killed while about fifteen others were injured during the attack in the state.
Abang further revealed that 12 police stations were completely razed down,7 divisions vandalized, 3 armored personnel carriers (APC) burnt and about 27 operational vehicles destroyed.
Commending the government for the assistance, the CP appealed to the state government to assist in rehabilitating the vandalized station.
Some next-of-kin to the deceased Policemen expressed appreciation to the State Government for remembering to honour their loved ones, saying it will encourage other police officers to put in their best in the service of the country.
